Decompressing after a demanding workday is essential in keeping up with both good mental and physical health. It’s what helps us make the most of our downtime, creating a clear boundary between our work and personal lives – especially considering how remote work now means for many of us, our homes are also our offices. Here are a few practical approaches you can follow to help relax after a long day’s work.
Physical activity has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to relieve stress. Even just a brief 20-minute walk can help release natural mood-boosting endorphins to level out your brain space. Try to integrate activities like cycling, running or yoga into your daily routine, with the goal being to be consistent rather than intensive. Regular amounts of moderate activity will help tackle stress levels long-term, rather than just as a reactive measure.
Having a relaxing environment can significantly support your ability to unwind at home. If you can, having a room in your home that you can transform into a dedicated relaxation space when required can be very useful. Soft lighting, comfortable seating and calming colours can all assist in lowering stress, while keeping your overall home tidy and clutter-free can help improve mental clarity.
It’s essential to find some way to help you chill after a long day, however way this works best for you. Going to the gym, heading out for a long run, or making use of leisure facilities like a sauna can all be beneficial.
You may also choose to engage in your favourite activities, such as playing puzzle games, enjoying something entertaining like free online bingo, or watching a new TV show. So long as you’re mindful of the additional screen time, it can help relax you overall.
Although enjoying an alcoholic beverage can help you to decompress in the short term, becoming reliant on it can have the opposite effect. Plus, it can disrupt your sleep patterns which can then make you more stressed as a result. Switching to some form of herbal calming drink, like one of the many teas on the market, can have the opposite effect – supporting your relaxation and overall sleep quality.
Having a good pre-bedtime routine can help your brain and body wind down before sleep. Reading for a short period, doing some stretches or taking a quick stroll – all of these, when done consistently before bed, can be your way of prompting yourself into a more relaxed state of mind.
By implementing these practical approaches, you can create more effective boundaries between your working and home life, improving both your evening relaxation and your next day’s performance.
